Terry Ray Huff
Terry Ray Huff
RANDOLPH – Memorial service for Terry Ray Huff, 76, Lincoln, formerly of Randolph, will be held at 7 p.m., Feb. 23, at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Randolph. PMA Richard “Dick” Bloomquist will be officiating the service. Inurnment with military honors will be held at a later date at the Randolph City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 23, prior to the service. Terry died Jan. 24, 2024, at his residence in Lincoln. Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Randolph, is in charge of the arrangements. Terry was born Sept. 6, 1947, in Randolph, to Kenneth and Verna (Kraemaer) Huff Jr. He was raised on a farm near Randolph and was active in the Saddle Club growing up. Terry attended country school at District #45, Randolph, to the eighth grade and graduated from Randolph High School in 1965. Terry served in the United States Army from Sept. 14, 1966, to Oct. 22, 1970. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for heroism in action against enemy forces in Vietnam.
Specialist Huff was inside a bunker when an intense enemy artillery barrage landed all around him. One round severely wounded a soldier in a nearby defensive position, nearly severing his arm. The wounded soldier got up and ran toward Terry’s bunker but collapsed just before reaching it. Terry dashed from his bunker and pulled the soldier to cover. Seconds later a round hit and ignited several vehicles just a few meters from where the wounded soldier had been. Showing professional coolness and innovation, he removed his shirt and tee-shirt, tore the shirts into strips and began bandaging the soldier’s wounds. Later, when search and clear patrols were needed, he immediately volunteered to provide further assistance.
After Terry’s honorable discharge he lived in Lincoln and worked construction until he retired.
Terry enjoyed his cats especially “Huffy,” tending to his flowers and garden, going to Thursday morning breakfasts at Hy-Vee in Lincoln, spending time with his family, and his guns.
Survivors include his brother, John (Lila) Huff, Randolph; nephews, Jason (Kay) Huff, Fremont; Christopher (Tammy) Huff, Yankton, S.D.; Cody (Jodi) Huff, Citra, Fla.; Kyle (Casi) Huff, Wayne; nieces, Marla (Brad) Huwaldt, Osmond, and Molly (Jeff) Hartman, Randolph; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Jr. and Verna; and great-nephews, Bryan Huff and Brandon Nelson.